- Computer Networking Basics
- Computer Networking Home
- Application of Networks
- Sharing through Network
- Access to Remote Database
- Communication Facilities
- Evolution of Networking
- Arpanet
- Internet
- Interspace
- Elementary Terminology
- Nodes (Workstations)
- Server
- Network Interface Unit
- Network Switch Technique
- Network Switch Technique
- Circuit Switching
- Message Switching
- Packet Switching
- Network Transmission Media
- Network Transmission Media
- Twisted Pair Cable
- Coaxial Cable
- Optical Fibers
- Guided Media Compared
- Microwave
- Radio Wave
- Satellite Microwave
- Infrared
- Laser
- Data Communication Terms
- Data Communication Terms
- Data Channel
- Baud
- Bits Per Second
- Bandwidth
- Data Transfer Rates
- Types of Networks
- Types of Networks
- LAN
- MAN
- WAN
- PAN
- Network Topologies
- Network Topologies
- Point-To-Point Link
- Star Topology
- Bus Topology
- Ring Topology
- Tree Topology
- Graph Topology
- Mesh Topology
- Fully Connected
- Network Devices
- Network Devices
- Modem
- RJ-45
- Ethernet Card
- Hub
- Switch
- Repeater
- Bridge
- Router
- Gateway
- LAN Design
- LAN Design
- Network Components Checklists
- Communication Protocols
- Communication Protocols
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol
- File Transfer Protocol
- TCP/IP
- SLIP/PPP
- Mobile Computing
- Mobile Computing
- GSM
- CDMA
- WLL
- GPRS
- 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G
- 3G and EDGE
- 4G and LTE
- SMS
- Chat
- Video Conferencing
- VoIP
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Hotspots
- WiMax
- Internetw Term & Concept
- Internetw Term & Concept
- World Wide Web
- Telnet
- Web Browser and Server
- Web Sites and Addresses
- URL and Domain Names
- Web Hosting
- Web 2.0
- WebScripting
- Open Source Software
- Open Source Software
- OSS and FLOSS
- GNU
- FSF
- OSI
- W3C
- Proprietary Software
- Freeware Software
- Shareware Software
- Network Security
- Network Security
- Cookies
- Hackers and Crackers
- CyberLaw
- Cyber Crimes
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Viruses
- Viruses
- How Computer Virus Spread ?
- Damage that Viruses Cause
- Trojan Horses
- Worms
- Spam
- Virus Prevention
- Give Online Test
- All Test List
- Networking Test
Network Components Checklists
The checklists given here provides a general idea of the components for different types of networks.
For Building a small LAN
For Connecting Offices and Documents
- Clients with NICs installed
- Servers
- Hubs
- Switch
- Cabling
- Network OS Software
- Router for shared Internet access
In the above list, the Router for shared Internet access is optional.
For Connecting Dispersed Office Sites
- Clients with NICs installed
- Servers
- Hubs
- Switches
- Routers at each location for WAN connections/shared Internet access
- Access server for dialup access for remote users
- Cabling
- WAN service (ISDN/leased line etc.)
- Network OS software
After the above checklists, now here are some tables given to show a brief description and performance comparison of various network types (these are standard names for network), technology they use and speeds supported by various cable types.
Infrared technologies vary widely. They can be used for transmitting data between PDAs or cell phones.
This technology typically connects at a speed of about 115 Kbps while advanced technologies for connecting 2 networks together between buildings can run as high as 10 Kbps and extend several moles.
Windows XP supports VFIR stands for Very Fast Infrared, which can transmit at up to 16 Mbps.
Network Comparison Chart
The table given here compares various types of networks:
Network Type | Cabling | Connector | Maximum Length | Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|
10Base5 | RG-8 or RG-11, Thicknet coaxial |
AUI/DIX | 500 meters (1640 ft) | 10 Mbps |
10Base2 | RG-58, Thinnet coaxial |
BNC connector | 185 meters (607 ft) | 10 Mbps |
10BaseT | Cat 3,4,5,5e,6 twisted pair |
RJ-45 | 100 meters (328 ft) | 10 Mbps |
100Base-TX | Cat 5,5e,6 | |||
twisted pair | RJ-45 | 100 meters (328 ft) | 100 Mbps | |
100Base-FX | Fiber Optic | ST,SC Connectors for fibre optic cables | 2 Kilometers (6562 feet) | 200 Mbps |
100Base-T-Gigabit Ethernet | CAT 5,5e,6 | RJ-45 | 100 meters (328 ft) | 1 Gbps |
802.11b | Wireless | No cabling. Uses Access Point (AP) for connection |
150+feet | 11 Mbps |
802.11g | Wireless | No cabling. Uses Access Point (AP) for connection |
150+feet | 54 Mbps |
Infrared | N/A | No cabling. Uses direct line of sight connections |
Varies | Up to 16 mbps |
Transmission Speeds of Cables
The following table lists the transmission speeds of the various cable types:
Transmission Medium | Transmission Speed |
---|---|
Thicknet Coaxial | 10 Mbps |
Thinnet Coaxial | 10 Mbps |
Cat 2 twisted pair | 4 Mbps |
Cat 3 twisted pair | 10 Mbps |
Cat 4 twisted pair | 16 Mbps |
Cat 5 twisted pair | 100 Mbps |
Cat 5e twisted pair | 1 Gbps |
Cat 6 twisted pair | 10 Gbps |
Fiber Optic | 100 Mbps - 2 Gbps |
802.11b | 11 Mbps |
802.11g | 54 Mbps |
Choosing of Suitable Medium
Choose Twisted Pair Cable when:
- Low Cost - It is Cheap
- Easy Installation - Easy to work with
- No High Speed data requirements - It has Low data rate. Limited data rate of 100MHz and limited bandwidth of 1MHz
- Transmission over a Short range
Here are the list of some important factors to keep in mind when using twisted pair cables:
- If used for Analog transmission - Amplifiers are required every 5 km to 6 km
- If used for Digital transmission - Repeaters are required every 2 km to 3 km with fast Ethernet, every 100 meters
- Susceptible to interference and noise
Choose Coaxial Cable when:
- Television signal distribution has to take place
- Ariel to TV
- Cable TV
- Long distance telephone transmission has to take place - Can carry 10000 voice calls simultaneously
- Short distance computer systems links required
- Local area networks are to be formed among some computers
Here are the list of some important factors to keep in mind when using coaxial cables:
- If used for Analog transmission - Amplifiers are required every 5 km to 6 km
- If used for Digital transmission - Repeaters are required every 1 km
Choose Fibre Optics when:
- Greater Data capacity required - Data rates of hundreds of Gbps
- Lower attenuation is required
- Secure transmission is desired
- Cost does not matter - most expensive of guided media
Here is an important factor to keep in mind when using fibre optics:
- Greater repeater spacing - 10s of km at least, i.e., Repeater required every 10 kms
Choose Radio Waves when:
- Long distances are to be covered
- Signals must be able to penetrate walls and buildings
- Transmission must be omnidirectional or in all directions
Here is an important factor to keep in mind when using radio waves:
- Health hazards involved
Choose Microwave when:
- Transmission should be in directional, in a specific direction straight line
- Cheaper than other unguided media
- Can be used for long distance telephone service
Here is an important factor to keep in mind when using microwave:
- Requires repeaters every 30 miles because of Line-of-Sight transmission, curvature of the earth requires stations every 30 miles
Choose Satellite when:
- When the transmission has to take place over a very large area of Earth
- Can be used for long distance Television distribution and long distance telephone transmission
Here are the list of some important factors to keep in mind when using satellite:
- Expensive towers and repeaters
- Subject to interference such as passing airplanes and rain
Choose Infrared when:
- You want to transmit without any licensing hassles - no license needed
Here is an important factor to keep in mind when using infrared:
- Cannot penetrate solid walls
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